Mt. Rainier National Park

Mt. Rainier is a volcanic peak located in the Cascade Mountain Range. It is 14,410 feet tall, and it is relatively young for a mountian-500,000 years old. Mt. Rainier National Park was formed in 1899. Due to being a volcanic area visitors need to be careful of unpredictable mud flows and glacier-generated floods. Visitors need to also be aware of the wildlife in the area, and campers need to keep a clean camp and hang their trash and food at least 12 feet off the ground.

In 1988 about 96 percent of the park was designated as the Mount Rainier Wilderness. Each year more than 2 million people visit the park. Climbing Mount Rainier is hazardous and requires skill, proper equipment, and excellent physical condition.

At some places in the park 680 inches of snow fall during the year, and there are 25 glaciers located on Mount Rainier.